Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) seeks grants and contracts/sponsored project professionals to join our growing research administration team. Sponsored Program Services (SPS) is responsible for administering a portfolio of $375M in annually awarded funding across all UConn campuses and UConn Health. We are a top-ranked public research university and land grant institution, rurally situated in the “Quiet Corner” of Northeast Connecticut.

The Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist provides complex sponsored research administration and management and acts with institutional authority with sponsors and agencies. This position also provides day-to-day management and oversight for a high volume of proposals submitted to a broad range of sponsors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary institutional resource and subject matter expert for the UConn-sponsored programs community during proposal development, review, and submission. Independently advise, interpret, and make determinations on guidelines, regulations, and policies, sponsor award terms and conditions, and other matters. Exercise sound judgment in identifying and resolving issues of concern. Consult with appropriate managerial staff on any exceptions to University policy (e.g., program matching and facilities commitments, administrative rates, etc.).
• Working under the supervision of a designated manager within the central Pre-Award Services unit, review submissions and supporting documentation for compliance with applicable federal and state laws, sponsor guidelines, and University policy and procedure. Ensure that all necessary clearances and authorizations (including mandated training and disclosure requirements) are in place and that submissions are accurate, complete, compliant, and submitted prior to sponsor deadlines.
• Act as the authorized organizational representative (AOR) with delegated signature authority to submit sponsored funding proposals. Escalate submissions outside authority for approval prior to submission.
• Analyze and work to understand complex information from multiple sources, including funding opportunity announcements, sponsor guidelines and submission procedures, and electronic research administration procedures. Remain informed of current and anticipated Federal and state laws, regulatory requirements, and University policies governing the planning, application development, and management of research and program grants and contracts for universities. Review and interpret terms and conditions on proposal solicitations, as appropriate.
• Independently identify and resolve technical issues pertaining to proposal budget preparation, proposal documents, fiscal, administrative, or procedural constraints, and electronic proposal systems.
• Serve as primary liaison between department administrators/PIs and sponsors in requesting clarification of sponsor guidelines and requirements and responding to inquiries. Work with collaborating units (Export Control Office, Financial Conflict of Interest, Post-Award Management, etc.) to ensure proposal compliance.
• Maintain electronic records and documentation of proposal preparation, submission, and communication. Verify accuracy and completeness through periodic quality assurance reviews.
• Effectively engage with central office team members and the sponsored programs community using positive, proactive communication to identify solutions and promote a culture of support and collaboration. Provide excellent customer service to a diverse community of faculty, researchers, University staff, and external sponsors.
• Engage in ongoing analysis and refinement of current unit processes and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness, recommending changes via established processes and collaboration with team members, contributing to documentation, and assisting with dissemination activities.
• Participate in the development and provision of grant and contract training.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field and six years of related experience, with at least two of those years working at an advanced/senior level. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the degree and years requirement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge of Uniform Guidance and/or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
2. Ability to interpret technical solicitation or contract languag